[Pretender]

I was in a hurry when I posted my original question regarding the basic version of the Modwright SWL 9.0. Since I have not received any answers, I assume that I was either not clear, or people were put off by my post. So, I will try again...

I have a pair of modified Magnepan MMGs, that I am currently using with a Primaluna Dialogue 2 integrated amp. While the Primaluna is a great amp, I don't think I am getting the full potential from my speakers, due to their requirement of a lot of current. Before making a full commitment to solid state, I would like to compare to my Primaluna first--Which means purchasing used. I was able to find a Sonographe SA250, which is reportedly a good match with MMGs. As I mentioned before, there is a SWL 9.0 for sale on Audiogon. (In the meantime, a SWL 9.0SE was listed, but I was too late.)

At any rate, I don't see a huge difference in the prices of the basic SWL 9.0 and the SE model. As a matter of fact, the most recent SE was only listed for $25 more. In addition, there is just not much written about the basic model. It also appears as though I will need to purchase one or both of the upgrade packages (MWI caps and power supply) if I want to retain the tube "warmth" of the Primaluna.

My questions are:

1) Can the basic SWL 9.0 be fully upgrade to the same specifications as the Signature model?

2) Given the fact that the 9.0 was built to a certain price point, with the necessary compromises, is there a more modest upgrade package available, that would give the biggest bang for the buck, and perhaps achieve 90% of best that is available with the SWL?

Thanks!

[Bill Baker]

Hello Pretender,
 While Dan would be the best person to provide the most accurate answers to your questions, I can tell you that Dan does offer upgrades to the 9.0. The two options to consider would be the tube rectified upgrade and the capacitor upgrade. The ModWright caps are very good and this upgrade on it's own will be noticable. In conjuntion with the power supply upgrade, you will get more body and warmth without sacrificing the detail and transparency the unit has to offer.

[Pretender]

Thanks for your response--I think what I need to know, is whether the basic 9.0 SWL will give me an accurate representation of the preamp. Judging by all of the rave opinions of the upgrades, or even the performance of the standard 9.0SE for that matter,  I think I may be falling into the trap of thinking that the 9.0 is not worth consideration...

However, another question just occurred to me--How many of the upgraded parts contained the 9.0SE over the 9.0 are replaced with the power supply and cap upgrades?

If I had to choose between the power supply and cap upgrades, which would give me more of the body and warmth that I am looking for?

Thanks!

[modwright]

Hi, just to clarify:

There were only four 'Non' SE - non Special Edition units made and they were all ultimately upgraded to Special Edition models.

The 'Signature Edition' - sorry for the confusing SE designation... includes the tube-rectified power supply and MWI capacitor upgrades.

This is a significant upgrade from the Special Edition.

The cost to upgrade the capacitors to MWI type = $500.
The cost to upgrade to tube-rectified power supply = $500.

The cost for both upgrades, including new MWI remote = $995 - shipped.  This is a factory upgrade option and can be offered to any used 9.0SE.

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Dan W.

[Rocket]

Hi,

I was one of dan's beta purchases of his preamp and even this version sounded very good.  The production swl 9.0 preamp was better and I'm sure if would sound very good.  However, if you can purchase a special edition for a little more that would be the way to go.  Alternatively you could buy this one and get dan to upgrade it for you.

Regards

Rod

[Pretender]

Hi, just to clarify:

There were only four 'Non' SE - non Special Edition units made and they were all ultimately upgraded to Special Edition models.

The 'Signature Edition' - sorry for the confusing SE designation... includes the tube-rectified power supply and MWI capacitor upgrades.

This is a significant upgrade from the Special Edition.

The cost to upgrade the capacitors to MWI type = $500.
The cost to upgrade to tube-rectified power supply = $500.

The cost for both upgrades, including new MWI remote = $995 - shipped.  This is a factory upgrade option and can be offered to any used 9.0SE.

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Dan W.

Thanks Dan--Unfortunately, I am even more confused!

The good news is that I purchased the "base" SWL 9.0--The seller stated that it was the base version, and indeed, I recall that the picture reflected that. The ad expired the day after I purchased it, so I cannot verify--However, I should receive it one day this week. If I understand you correctly, this unit is in fact a SE? I could send you the serial number when I receive it.

At any rate, as I said in my original post, I currently own a PrimaLuna Dialogue 2 tube integrated with a pair of modded MMGs. I recently picked up a used Sonographe SA250 which I plan to use with the SWL 9.0 to compare to the PrimaLuna. If I am pleased with the SS amp and SWL pre, I will then sell my PrimaLuna and look for a new amp, along with having the SWL upgraded.

I am assuming that it is not worth it to do one or the other of your mods (MWI caps or tube rectification) alone--That if I am going to upgrade, I should do both?

Thanks!

[modwright]

I will be VERY surprised if it is NOT a 'Special Edition' unit, even if the faceplate only says 9.0 and not 9.0SE.

It is not necessary to do both upgrades, as both are beneficial.  I would say that the new tube-rectified power supply is probably the best upgrade to do first, as it also includes our new dual-discrete solid-state voltage regulation, which makes a SIGNIFICANT difference in performance across the board.

You can always do the capacitor upgrade later, as it is also quite beneficial.  I am simply saying that if you were to only do one at this point, I would recommend the PS upgrade first.

Thanks and please feel free to call or email once you receive the unit discuss options and with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Dan Wright
360.247.688

[Pretender]

I will be VERY surprised if it is NOT a 'Special Edition' unit, even if the faceplate only says 9.0 and not 9.0SE.

It is not necessary to do both upgrades, as both are beneficial.  I would say that the new tube-rectified power supply is probably the best upgrade to do first, as it also includes our new dual-discrete solid-state voltage regulation, which makes a SIGNIFICANT difference in performance across the board.

You can always do the capacitor upgrade later, as it is also quite beneficial.  I am simply saying that if you were to only do one at this point, I would recommend the PS upgrade first.

Thanks and please feel free to call or email once you receive the unit discuss options and with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Dan Wright
360.247.688

Thanks Dan:

I won't bother you anymore, as I am sure you are even busier than normal, getting ready for RMAF. That will give me a chance to try it out. I will give you a call next week to arrange sending it to you for upgrade (I am leaning toward just the tube-rectified power supply for now).

Thanks again!